Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback Alex Smith has been ruled out for this week’s game against the San Diego Chargers with a lacerated spleen.
ESPN noted that team trainer Rick Burkholder announced on Friday that Smith would not be able to go Sunday due to the injury he suffered against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16.
Backup Chase Daniel will start in the all-important game that has major playoff implications for a few teams in the AFC.
As the Baltimore Sun noted, the Ravens for example, need the Chargers to lose and to win a game finale against the Cleveland Browns in order to get the sixth playoff spot.
The Chiefs and Houston Texans have a 12.5 percent shot of getting in depending on the outcome, as well as the result of some other matchups.
And, the Chargers need a victory at Arrowhead to clinch. With Smith out, the team’s 50 percent odds just increased.
The 28-year-old Daniel has appeared in seven games for Kansas City and has thrown for a total of 248 yards with one touchdown and one interception.